The "best" deal for joining Diners currently seems to be the "member get a member" deal where the "new" member gets 2,000 bonus points each month he/she uses the card during the first year (maximum of 24,000 points) and the "referring" member gets 6,000 points.

Points are usually convertible into frequent flyer miles at 2 points = 1 mile. If, as is rumored, the Delta deal is redone next February, and the BA deal also returns, you can convert 1 point to 1 mile on those airlines during those periods (so potentially 24,000 SkyMiles or BA miles).

And if you'd like a form, I'd be delighted to be the "referring" member (hint, hint) http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

[This message has been edited by Counsellor (edited 07-01-1999).]

Based on what Firstcard told Hong Kong Flyer, their incremental costs of resolving problem transactions overseas costs them 3% of gross charges overseas.
And I bet the Tooth Fairy needs a raise too.

Referring to Mountain Trader's comments...

Depending on your bank and the amount that you plan to withdraw, using a debit card may not be a great option - BankBoston stings me for $5 on top of any 'hidden' percentage commission each time I put my card into a foreign ATM.

This is fine in Switzerland, where everyone has a wallet full of cash and wanders around paying for sandwiches with CHF100 or 200 notes, but when all one needs is enough for a day or two/a taxi fare, the real "commission rate" becomes exorbitant. Thanks to my recent travels I had to cough up $5 for the equivalent of about $25 in Italy, and the same amount for about $100 in France.

Bring on the euro!

Way to go HKF!- By the way, I understand the $66. US deal at the Mandarin Priental is good throughout 1999!